Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

What is Project 543?

Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

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Play the greatest golf course from the greatest golf course designer

The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area was the longtime home of golf course design legend Donald Ross, and his presence influenced every aspect of golf in North Carolina. Ross designed 400-plus courses, including more than a dozen you can play here. But only Pinehurst No. 2 was his masterpiece, and where he made his home. He lived on its grounds and shaped the course and the history of golf throughout his life. In March 2011, Pinehurst No. 2 reopened after a 12-month restoration by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw that returned much of the natural character and strategy to the legendary course. Since 1907, No. 2 has been the site of most every major golf championship. In 2014, it hosted the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships, marking the first time in history the tournaments were played on the same course in the same year.